[Trip Report] San Rafael Swell - The Western Slope and Lone Tree Wedge

If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

San Rafael Swell - The Western Slope and Lone Tree Wedge

Coming from Blue Flat and Mesa Butte we decide to head in an eastern direction at 12S 0485090 4285470. Two Miles farther - 12S 0487750 4285730 - this road turns north towards Lone Tree Crossing but we use a smaller trail to the east.

The trail is not especially difficult nor is the landscape impressive. Some views show Cedar Mountain and some smaller volcanic features.

Cedar Mountain in a distance of 8 Miles, some volcanism

We trust our USGS Maps and learn that the Butte far left is Factory Butte, but not the famous one near Hanksville

Contrary weather over Willow Springs Wash Badlands

In a short distance from the picture spot above the only dubious spot of the trail appears. A short, relatively steep and sandy decent into a small wash with an additional sharp turn. Downhill no problem but how about uphill? (There might be another faint trail leading onto the road to Lone Tree Crossing - we didn't test this one.)

One and a half Mile to the East the trail approaches Muddy Creek. Take the left spur at 12S 0492736 4284862. It ends up above the canyon where Muddy enters the Swell.

Muddy Creek Canyon (upstream) The deep cut on the other side is the mouth of Poncho Wash

Muddy Creek Canyon (downstream)

Watch your step!

Blossoms too:

Newberry's Twinpod

Sclerocactus parviflorus (?)

Driving back to the main trail and to the left leads to another view point. Distance is a little more than a Mile. Lacking a name we call it Willow Springs Wash Overlook.

High above the confluence of Muddy Creek (left) and Willow Springs Wash (right)